R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
